In his early twenties John Collette studied music and art at Boston University and sold his painting through galleries while attending university. In summer he would visit Quebec City, where he sketched portraits and created drawings of the quaint streets and buildings in Viex Quebec, which he sold to tourists on Rue du Tresor. John was fond of the old brownstone buildings on Beacon Hill, in Boston, and they provided inspiration for many of his lovely etchings. Other favorite subjects include fishing boats, wildlife, oil rigs, and sailboats. John's artwork is included in many private, corporate, and public collections.